Shoulder, Knee & Joint Evaluation

Shoulder & Knee Pain

Anatomy of the shoulder

The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body. Surrounded by tissues, tendons, nerves, and bursa that can become irritated and cause painful movements, the shoulder can be a common source of pain and discomfort.  Tendons help attach muscle to bone while ligaments attach bone to bone. The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons that attach the muscle to the bone and ligaments that attach the bones in the shoulder of the other bone. The cuff and joint are further strengthened by cartilage and ligaments.

Since the shoulder contains so many different tendons, ligaments, and muscles that surround the joint, tearing of these many different areas can occur.  In addition, pain in the neck can also radiate from the shoulder joint.  

Some forms of shoulder pain are the result of enduring hard impacts causing the ball of the joint to dislocate from the socket. A intense pain tends to recur after the initial dislocation. It’s also possible to tear the muscles or strain the tendons of the rotator cuff, the set of tissues that articulate the shoulder.

Other forms of shoulder pain are the result of long-term overuse. Tendons can grow inflamed after rubbing against bones or becoming impinged. The bursae that normally prevent friction-related pain can themselves become inflamed. Cartilage degeneration in the joint may cause arthritis. Even a long-immobilized shoulder may experience painful stiffness, a condition called frozen shoulder.

Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain

 Rotator cuff tear
 Instability due to injury such as dislocated shoulder
 Overuse leading to inflammation
 Bursitis or tendinitis, also called impingement syndrome
 Ligament injury, called acromio-clavicular tear or A/C separation
 Calcium deposits in the tendons
 Frozen shoulder
 Referred pain — pain that originates in the neck, back, or internal organs, yet is felt in the shoulder

Providing many natural treatments for shoulder pain

Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage and relieve swelling and discomfort caused by shoulder pain. It provides patients with shoulder pain a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications (OTCs). Dr. Erdmann can provide a gentle, non-invasive, non-addictive therapy, known as a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage symptoms caused by the shoulder pain. Dr. Erdmann also provides other treatments that effectively help reduce shoulder pain. All of our therapies work with the muscles and tissues to reduce inflammation and allow the body to stay aligned. These treatments will also help release stubborn knots from tight or damaged muscles and tissues.

About the knee


What causes knee pain

Knee injuries are very common among athletes and anyone participating in any athletic activities. Your knee carries a great deal of body weight and absorbs the force of our movements. Since the knee joint is flexible, they can become hyper-extended if you happen to make a wrong move.

Direct injury to the knee in a fall or accident could also be the cause of chronic knee pain. Other reasons for knee pain are diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or tendinitis.

What are the symptoms of knee pain?

If you notice the following symptoms in your knee or knees,, they could be signs that you need to seek medical treatment for an injury or illness:

  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Weakness and instability
  • Popping noises during movement
  • Inability to fully straighten your knee

What we can do to relieve knee pain

Each patient that visits our office is unique, therefore the course of treatment recommended by Dr. Erdmann will vary from patient to patient. The first step Dr. Erdmann takes in your knee evaluation is a thorough assessment of the musculoskeletal system with a detailed health history.  Most commonly, Dr. Erdmann will then utilize specific chiropractic manipulation techniques to areas of restricted movement in the knee and surrounding joints. These manipulations can increase movement, improve function and reduce pain. 

Inflammation is also reduced with ice and a customized rehabilitation and exercise program will be provided. This individualized program will include rehabilitative exercises. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Erdmann uses laser therapy, spinal decompression, physical therapy and nutritional counseling to help relieve pain and restore your health.